Patek Philippe

I must be a magnet for predicaments as I seem to be in search of the ultimate watches in terms of fit, comfort, dial, movement, elegance and accuracy and function. Whereas many may settle for an extremely good timepiece, I make it intentionally difficult in that I prefer not to compromise because if I do, I know I will end up selling the watch sooner or later. So in my search for this so called ultimate collection (ultimate for me at least), I came across a watch last weekend which I would not normally be even considering as it has a gold bracelet but its perfect fit on my wrist has aroused feelings within me that seldom occur. What does not help is that I purchased a 5940G only 4 months ago so to add another perpetual calendar (ok so it is round faced and on a bracelet) might seem an overkill. Or is it an overkill?!! I am referring to the discontinued 5136G which I spotted at the London Salon. (Go grab it guys to help me in my decision making!)

Then, to ensure that my decision would be even more challenging, I had a short audience at Patek in Basel and also fell in love with the new 5170P. I always thought it would not be possible to be in love with three watches simultaneously but I am guilty as charged. So in your wisdom, would you kindly advise me which of the two watches below you would have given a choice (yes, you can choose two!!) Yes, I know the decision is ultimately mine based on my demanding criteria but I would love to hear your opinions please.

Thank you very much in advance for your time and your feedback.

Best wishes,

Sham

....as personal taste is such a big criteria here.

If i gave you my view, how would that help? I know my personal taste would push me in different directions.

First, i am not a fan of the 5940 case style...so that would immediately push me towards the other two.

Then....well...you know what i am going to say next...so that would push me towards the 5940 and 5136.

But then.....i would like the variety of different complications...so back to 5136 and 5170 again



I REALLY do like the 5136 and think it offers a huge amount of flexibility as a sporty yet classy watch. So, that is where i will stop...out of the mix, definitely take the 5136...or i would anyway.

Out of the other two......


over to you.

Don't sell the Vantage.

The Vantage is living on borrowed time I am afraid, especially with a new model coming out later this year. Still it has been wonderful owning it. I really do appreciate your feedback even though our tastes may be somewhat different as I respect that you are somewhat an authority compared to me. Will drop by at the Salon again tomorrow to have another 'test drive'!

i am definitely not an authority at all....i just know what pleases me...and ,i guess, what doesn't. I enjoy delving deep into a watch for sure....but a long long way from an authority.

Genuinely...i find the 5136G really appealing as I can see myself with it..i can visulaise it.

I would also add that the inclusion of 5136 into one of your two allows a lot of flexibility. Lets brush aside the diamond issue....the 5170P would for me be a more formal watch. I don't think it lends itself to a pair of jans and a white cotton shirt so easily. I think that is especially so given teh diamonds.  The 5136G, on the other hand, would be perfect in a casual way. The two make a good duo.

but I do not own a pair of jeans! But I see your rationale with the 5136G. Pity you do not like the 5940G which I personally feel exudes a certain aura, a certain elegance. But if you do not like the shape, then little can change that.
Thanks again.

I would say go for the diamonds. I'm not a diamond guy, and I wear jeans a lot, and I'd go for the 5136 if I was in your predicament. So therefore, let's entertain the thought of the opposite being a good idea! I think Baron hit the nail on the head, it's about visualisation. What can you see yourself with? I inadvertently used this method 2 days ago and passed on a watch. I don't regret it. Great watch, didn't suit me in my minds eye.

However I agree, this is a good problem to have! enjoy your dilemma. Remember, you can't go too far wrong.

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I shared the same rationale as you until I dropped by at the Salon again today to try on the usual suspects. Please scroll down to see my decision!

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it was 37mm instead of 39.4mm and I would have taken it home!

Nice predicament to be in

Oh boy, your choices give me another problem as I actually own the 5940G and not the other two that you recommend. Thank you though!

I would get the 5136/1G and 5170P.

This way two very different style watches with different complications in different metals. One with bracelet and potentially sportier or casual and the other the ultimate evening formal dress watch.

If I already had a 5940G I would add the 5170P.

Can't go wrong regardless....

I feel it might be difficult to bring myself to sell the 5940G after such a short period of ownership and I simply love the dial and the thinness of the watch. The 5136G is heavier being a bracelet watch and also thicker. But the size is purrrfect!!!!

so I think you already have the perfect PC, so my vote would be to go for the 5170. That would make an awesome pair with lots of differences...manual/automatic; round/cushion, PC/Chronograph, silver/blue...

CC

I agree with your logic and am likely to go down that route but I need to try on the 5136G one more time at least to get in out of my system (or perhaps vice versa!!!

1. Get your name down asap for that 5170.

2. While you wait, spend the time hunting down a first series dial 3940.

3. If (2) fails, make that call to Aston Martin.

I am about to do number one! I am a stubborn oaf and prefer to buy new rather than used so a 3940 would not be a good option and besides I have tried them on before but the 5136G fits like a glove probably due to the curvature of the lugs to accommodate the bracelet. As for 3, I need to have a look at that car first!! You know how it is with Aston Martin - it takes a brave man to buy the first generation cars as the cars tend to be more reliable with all the niggles ironed out after a few years.

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...i have no suits.
Just jeans.
Makes buying watches simpler!!

I keep saying to myself "I need an elegant dress watch"

But when would I wear it?! Better just to look and enjoy for me. And buy sports watches

for dress watches not because I am always in a suit but it is just somehow more me. A Nautilus, aquanaut or a Rolex would look out of place on my wrist for those who know me. Saying that the 5136G is pretty versatile

I want to wear too many watches! Dress or otherwise!

You mean I have to sacrifice a Patek for a pair of jeans??!!

So no "sacrifice". 3 acquisitions for the price of one!  

You sell jeans for a living??!!
Actually I am quite surprised at the popularity of the 5136G compared to the 5940G from the replies so far. And the Aston, well considering this is a watch forum, it is amazing how a car can seem more attractive than a Patek. Ok,ok, admittedly it is not just any car

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I actually tried it on at Basel. Not sure what the hype is all about. Nice watch but I did feel much love for it unlike the 5170P!
As far as perpetual calendars go, I would definitely prefer the 5940G and 5136G! Even the 5159G is nicer but that's just my quirky tastes!!

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